pako vs node-gzip vs gzip-js
JavaScript Compression Libraries Comparison
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What's JavaScript Compression Libraries?

JavaScript compression libraries are essential tools for optimizing data transmission and storage by reducing the size of data. These libraries implement various compression algorithms, enabling developers to efficiently compress and decompress data, which is crucial for improving performance in web applications. By utilizing these libraries, developers can enhance load times, reduce bandwidth usage, and improve overall user experience. Each library offers unique features and optimizations suited for different use cases, making it important to choose the right one based on project requirements.

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pako29,015,7765,7151.64 MB262 years ago(MIT AND Zlib)
node-gzip131,07755-17 years agoMIT
gzip-js25,461436-1512 years agoGPL
Feature Comparison: pako vs node-gzip vs gzip-js

Compression Algorithm Support

  • pako:

    pako supports both gzip and deflate compression algorithms, offering flexibility for developers. It is designed for high performance and is capable of handling large datasets efficiently, making it suitable for both client-side and server-side applications.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip utilizes the native zlib module in Node.js, providing high-performance gzip compression. It is optimized for speed and efficiency, making it ideal for server-side applications that require fast data processing.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js implements the gzip compression algorithm in pure JavaScript, making it suitable for environments where native support is unavailable. However, it may not be as fast as native implementations due to its pure JavaScript nature.

Performance

  • pako:

    pako is optimized for speed and can handle large datasets efficiently. Its performance is comparable to native libraries, making it a strong choice for applications that need fast compression and decompression.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip offers excellent performance by leveraging the native zlib library, making it one of the fastest options for gzip compression in Node.js. It is ideal for applications that require quick data processing and minimal latency.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js may have slower performance compared to native libraries, especially for large datasets, due to its pure JavaScript implementation. It is best suited for smaller data sizes or scenarios where compatibility is more critical than speed.

Ease of Use

  • pako:

    pako offers a user-friendly API with extensive documentation, making it easy for developers to implement both gzip and deflate compression. Its versatility allows for quick integration into various projects.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip provides a clean and intuitive API that integrates seamlessly with Node.js applications, allowing developers to easily implement compression and decompression in their projects.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js has a simple API that is easy to use, making it accessible for developers who need a straightforward solution for compression without complex configurations.

Environment Compatibility

  • pako:

    pako is compatible with both browser and Node.js environments, providing flexibility for developers who need a single library that works seamlessly across different platforms.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip is specifically tailored for Node.js applications, leveraging native capabilities for optimal performance. It is not suitable for browser environments, limiting its use to server-side applications.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js is designed to work in both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile choice for cross-platform applications that require consistent behavior across different environments.

Community and Maintenance

  • pako:

    pako has a large and active community, providing extensive support and frequent updates. Its popularity ensures that it remains a reliable choice for developers seeking ongoing maintenance and feature enhancements.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip is actively maintained and benefits from the robust Node.js community. It receives regular updates and improvements, ensuring compatibility with the latest Node.js versions and features.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js has a smaller community and may not receive frequent updates, which could impact long-term support and feature enhancements. It is suitable for simple use cases but may lack advanced features found in more actively maintained libraries.

How to Choose: pako vs node-gzip vs gzip-js
  • pako:

    Select pako if you require a high-performance library that supports both gzip and deflate compression formats. Pako is optimized for speed and is suitable for both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile choice for applications that need robust compression capabilities.

  • node-gzip:

    Opt for node-gzip if you are working exclusively in a Node.js environment and need a library that leverages native gzip compression for better performance. It is designed for server-side applications where speed and efficiency are critical, providing a straightforward API for compressing and decompressing data.

  • gzip-js:

    Choose gzip-js if you need a pure JavaScript implementation that works in both Node.js and browser environments without any native dependencies. It is lightweight and suitable for projects that require compatibility across various platforms without relying on native code.

Similar Npm Packages to pako

pako is a fast and efficient JavaScript library for data compression and decompression using the DEFLATE algorithm. It is particularly useful for web applications that need to handle large amounts of data, allowing developers to compress data before sending it over the network and decompress it on the client side. Pako is designed to be compatible with both Node.js and browser environments, making it a versatile choice for various JavaScript projects.

While pako is a popular choice for compression tasks, there are other libraries that offer similar functionality. Here are a few alternatives:

  • node-gzip is a simple and lightweight library for Gzip compression and decompression in Node.js applications. It provides a straightforward API for compressing and decompressing data using Gzip, making it a good choice for server-side applications that require basic Gzip functionality. If you're looking for a minimalistic solution specifically for Node.js, node-gzip can be a suitable alternative to pako.
  • zlib is a built-in Node.js module that provides compression and decompression functionalities using the DEFLATE and Gzip algorithms. It is a powerful and efficient option for handling compressed data in Node.js applications. While zlib is not as user-friendly as pako for browser environments, it is a robust choice for server-side applications that require high-performance compression. If you are working exclusively within a Node.js environment and need a native solution, zlib is an excellent option.

To see how pako compares with node-gzip and zlib, check out the comparison: Comparing node-gzip vs pako vs zlib.

Similar Npm Packages to node-gzip

node-gzip is a lightweight library for compressing and decompressing data using the Gzip algorithm in Node.js applications. It provides an easy-to-use interface for handling Gzip compression, making it a popular choice for developers looking to optimize data transfer and storage. While node-gzip offers a straightforward solution for Gzip compression, there are other libraries that also provide similar functionality. Here are a few alternatives:

  • gzip-js is a pure JavaScript implementation of the Gzip compression algorithm. It is designed to work in both Node.js and browser environments, making it versatile for various applications. gzip-js is particularly useful for projects where you want to avoid native dependencies or need a lightweight solution for Gzip compression. Its compatibility with both environments allows developers to use it seamlessly in client-side and server-side applications.
  • pako is another popular library for data compression and decompression, supporting both Gzip and Deflate formats. It is built on top of the zlib library and is optimized for performance, making it suitable for handling large data sets. pako is often favored for its speed and efficiency, especially in scenarios where performance is critical, such as in web applications that require fast data processing. Its ability to handle both Gzip and Deflate makes it a versatile choice for developers needing robust compression solutions.

To see how node-gzip compares with gzip-js and pako, check out the comparison: Comparing gzip-js vs node-gzip vs pako.

Similar Npm Packages to gzip-js

gzip-js is a JavaScript library that provides a way to compress and decompress data using the Gzip algorithm. It is particularly useful for web applications that need to reduce the size of data being transmitted over the network, improving load times and overall performance. gzip-js is lightweight and can be easily integrated into both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile choice for developers looking to optimize data handling.

While gzip-js is a solid option for Gzip compression, there are other libraries available that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few alternatives:

  • node-gzip is a Node.js library that provides Gzip compression and decompression functionalities. It is built specifically for server-side applications and offers a straightforward API for handling Gzip operations. If you are working within a Node.js environment and need a reliable solution for compressing and decompressing data, node-gzip is a great choice. It is designed to be efficient and easy to use, making it suitable for various server-side applications.

  • pako is another popular library for Gzip compression and decompression. It is a fast and efficient implementation of the zlib compression library, which is widely used in various applications. Pako works in both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile option for developers. It provides a rich set of features, including support for both Gzip and deflate formats, and is known for its performance and reliability. If you need a comprehensive solution for data compression that works across different environments, pako is an excellent alternative.

To see how gzip-js compares with node-gzip and pako, check out the comparison: Comparing gzip-js vs node-gzip vs pako.

README for pako

pako

CI NPM version

zlib port to javascript, very fast!

Why pako is cool:

  • Results are binary equal to well known zlib (now contains ported zlib v1.2.8).
  • Almost as fast in modern JS engines as C implementation (see benchmarks).
  • Works in browsers, you can browserify any separate component.

This project was done to understand how fast JS can be and is it necessary to develop native C modules for CPU-intensive tasks. Enjoy the result!

Benchmarks:

node v12.16.3 (zlib 1.2.9), 1mb input sample:

deflate-imaya x 4.75 ops/sec ±4.93% (15 runs sampled)
deflate-pako x 10.38 ops/sec ±0.37% (29 runs sampled)
deflate-zlib x 17.74 ops/sec ±0.77% (46 runs sampled)
gzip-pako x 8.86 ops/sec ±1.41% (29 runs sampled)
inflate-imaya x 107 ops/sec ±0.69% (77 runs sampled)
inflate-pako x 131 ops/sec ±1.74% (82 runs sampled)
inflate-zlib x 258 ops/sec ±0.66% (88 runs sampled)
ungzip-pako x 115 ops/sec ±1.92% (80 runs sampled)

node v14.15.0 (google's zlib), 1mb output sample:

deflate-imaya x 4.93 ops/sec ±3.09% (16 runs sampled)
deflate-pako x 10.22 ops/sec ±0.33% (29 runs sampled)
deflate-zlib x 18.48 ops/sec ±0.24% (48 runs sampled)
gzip-pako x 10.16 ops/sec ±0.25% (28 runs sampled)
inflate-imaya x 110 ops/sec ±0.41% (77 runs sampled)
inflate-pako x 134 ops/sec ±0.66% (83 runs sampled)
inflate-zlib x 402 ops/sec ±0.74% (87 runs sampled)
ungzip-pako x 113 ops/sec ±0.62% (80 runs sampled)

zlib's test is partially affected by marshalling (that make sense for inflate only). You can change deflate level to 0 in benchmark source, to investigate details. For deflate level 6 results can be considered as correct.

Install:

npm install pako

Examples / API

Full docs - http://nodeca.github.io/pako/

const pako = require('pako');

// Deflate
//
const input = new Uint8Array();
//... fill input data here
const output = pako.deflate(input);

// Inflate (simple wrapper can throw exception on broken stream)
//
const compressed = new Uint8Array();
//... fill data to uncompress here
try {
  const result = pako.inflate(compressed);
  // ... continue processing
} catch (err) {
  console.log(err);
}

//
// Alternate interface for chunking & without exceptions
//

const deflator = new pako.Deflate();

deflator.push(chunk1, false);
deflator.push(chunk2); // second param is false by default.
...
deflator.push(chunk_last, true); // `true` says this chunk is last

if (deflator.err) {
  console.log(deflator.msg);
}

const output = deflator.result;


const inflator = new pako.Inflate();

inflator.push(chunk1);
inflator.push(chunk2);
...
inflator.push(chunk_last); // no second param because end is auto-detected

if (inflator.err) {
  console.log(inflator.msg);
}

const output = inflator.result;

Sometime you can wish to work with strings. For example, to send stringified objects to server. Pako's deflate detects input data type, and automatically recode strings to utf-8 prior to compress. Inflate has special option, to say compressed data has utf-8 encoding and should be recoded to javascript's utf-16.

const pako = require('pako');

const test = { my: 'super', puper: [456, 567], awesome: 'pako' };

const compressed = pako.deflate(JSON.stringify(test));

const restored = JSON.parse(pako.inflate(compressed, { to: 'string' }));

Notes

Pako does not contain some specific zlib functions:

  • deflate - methods deflateCopy, deflateBound, deflateParams, deflatePending, deflatePrime, deflateTune.
  • inflate - methods inflateCopy, inflateMark, inflatePrime, inflateGetDictionary, inflateSync, inflateSyncPoint, inflateUndermine.
  • High level inflate/deflate wrappers (classes) may not support some flush modes.

pako for enterprise

Available as part of the Tidelift Subscription

The maintainers of pako and thousands of other packages are working with Tidelift to deliver commercial support and maintenance for the open source dependencies you use to build your applications. Save time, reduce risk, and improve code health, while paying the maintainers of the exact dependencies you use. Learn more.

Authors

Personal thanks to:

  • Vyacheslav Egorov (@mraleph) for his awesome tutorials about optimising JS code for v8, IRHydra tool and his advices.
  • David Duponchel (@dduponchel) for help with testing.

Original implementation (in C):

  • zlib by Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler.

License

  • MIT - all files, except /lib/zlib folder
  • ZLIB - /lib/zlib content
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